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Organic food labelling deadline approaches

The deadline for all organic food produced in the UK to carry a legally required EU logo is rapidly approaching, a leading organic body has warned the industry.

The EU organic logo

A new Europe-wide symbol for certified organic produce was introduced in 2010, though a transitional period has been allowed for it to be included on packaging.

However, from the end of June this year the use of the EU logo, along with its associated wording, will be demanded by law.

Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), which inspects and certifies organic food and farming across the UK, is highlighting the risks producers and processors face if they fail to ensure all of their packaging meets the requirements.

OF&G Certification and Compliance Manager, Steve Clarkson, said: “We have been pushing this message out to our licensees regularly now and ensuring all new labels we check and approve are compliant. But, based on the feedback we are getting from the industry generally, we have concerns that the approaching deadline hasn’t reached the ears of everyone who needs to know. There has been no central alert or notification to all organic operators from the EU or Defra, but that doesn’t provide a defence for anyone who falls foul of the regulation.

“Quite simply, from the first day of July this year, a product that has been pre-packaged in an EU member state and which does not carry the correct EU symbol and wording will be breaking the law and, as this is not an overnight change but one that has enjoyed a two-year transition, there will be few, if any, legitimate excuses available.”

OF&G has produced a comprehensive guide to the requirements of the labelling regulation, which is available for download (ofng.me/eu) by any organic operators, regardless of their who their certifier is, and is calling on all businesses dealing in pre-packaged organic food to check they comply with the rules.

Mr Clarkson added: “It is in no-one’s interests for UK businesses to be caught out by this and they should act now if they are unsure. Given the lead times often required to change packaging design, arrange print runs and use up old stock, it could be that the July deadline will be upon them before they know it.”

Certification to suit all

Organic Farmers & Growers is one of the UK’s leading organic control bodies. We aim at all times to be practical in our approach to the sector. While protecting the integrity of the organic standards is at the heart of our work, we also understand that you have a business to run and a living…

Statuses Explained

Approved for use in organic systems
This product has been independently assessed by OF&G and has been judged to be allowable for use by organic farmers without restrictions or the requirement to seek further approval from the control body.

Approved for restricted use – approval required
This product has been independently assessed by OF&G and it has been judged that before it can be used you must seek approval from us, which must include an explanation of why you need to use this specific product. Each application will be examined on its merits against the requirements of the organic regulation and you must have received your approval in hard copy or electronic form before purchasing the product.

Approved for restricted use – justification required
This product has been assessed by OF&G and it has been judged that you do not need to seek a derogation before using it, however, you must be able to give a full and clear justification to the auditor during your inspection as to why it has been used. If you are in any respects unsure about the suitability of a product, please contact your Certification Officer before using it.

Approved for restricted use – veterinary supervision and withdrawal period required
This product may or may not be medicinal, but is proposed as an alternative to conventional pharmaceuticals. OF&G does not have the specialist knowledge to advise on veterinary products and, as such, insists that a vet is consulted and gives approval in writing prior to this product being administered. A withdrawal period, as defined in the organic regulation, may be required and you should contact your Certification Officer regarding this.